Hobart: China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has defended the recent deployment of a People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) taskforce near Australian waters, stating it is "normal" for a major power to operate naval forces globally.
In an interview with the ABC during a visit to Hobart, Ambassador Xiao dismissed concerns over the PLA-N's presence, insisting there was no reason for Australia to view China as a threat. He also reaffirmed that China and Australia remain "strategic partners."
The ambassador addressed the controversy surrounding last week's PLA-N live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea, which caused disruptions to commercial flights. He asserted that China had adhered to international law and did not see any need for an apology.
"I don't see any reason why China should feel sorry or consider apologizing," he said. "The drills were conducted in accordance with international law and standard practice. Prior notification was given appropriately."
When questioned about whether the warships' deployment was intended as a message to Australia regarding its freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea, Ambassador Xiao denied any such motive.
"Our naval vessels operate in many parts of the world, and this is part of regular training and exercises. There is no need to overinterpret this," he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that the timing of the warships' arrival, close to Australia's upcoming federal election, was politically motivated, emphasizing that China does not interfere in other nations' democratic processes.
Meanwhile, Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles has sought to downplay concerns, urging Australians to remain calm as the PLA-N taskforce moves west along the southern coastline.
Australia’s Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty has also indicated that such Chinese naval deployments are likely to become more frequent in the future.
"China is solidifying its status as a maritime power with regional and global interests. We should expect an increasing presence of Chinese warships in international waters in the coming years," Mr Moriarty told Parliament during Senate estimates hearings this week.
